It is an all new model for U.S., Japan, & Export Markets.
Related to the Land Cruiser Prado not previously offered in the U.S.
This platform will be shared with the new Lexus GX470.
Remains body on frame construction but severs the connection with the Tacoma truck line.

For 2003, the 183hp 3.4L V6 has been replaced by a new 4.0L V6, while an optional 4.7L V8 has been added.
The 4.0L V6 is an all new engine design that incorporates some firsts for
a Toyota truck. It's the company's first all-aluminum truck engine, the first
truck engine to make use of Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
and the first Toyota truck engine to employ a variable intake manifold. The results
are impressive: 245 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 283 pound-feet of torque at 3,400
rpm. All V6-equipped models retain the same 4-speed automatic transmission used on the previous model.
The engine is also LEV-certified and boasts significantly reduced amounts
of lead to make it more recyclable in the future.

The Land Cruiser's 4.7-liter dohc I-Force V8, 235hp 320 lb torque, is a first time 4Runner option.
Debuting in the Tundra pickup in 2000, the iForce V8 has gained a reputation
as one of the smoothest, most refined eight-cylinders ever to grace the engine
bay of a pickup. The introduction of an all new 5-speed automatic transmission is another first for a Toyota truck.

All 4-wheel-drive units boast a full-time 2-speed transfer case with a Torsen sensing-type limited slip center differential.
With a normal 40/60 torque split front to rear, in slippery conditions a maximum of 70% goes to the rear, or up to 53% to the front.
Traction control and Vehicle Stability Control are standard on all models.
Also standard are Toyota's Downhill Assist Control, and Hill-start Assist Control, which use the throttle and brakes
to improve stability and reduce slippage on loose surfaces.

The wheelbase is increased by 4.5", to 109.8". Overall length is 187.8" also a 4.5" increase.
The new 4Runner is 5.7" wider at 73.8". Height (with Rack) is 71.2". Weight comes in at 4025-4450lbs.
In back, the 60/40 split seat offers increased head, shoulder and hip room. No third seat is offered.
According to Toyota representatives, the typical 4Runner buyer isn't looking for a family vehicle as much as he is a capable sport-utility,
so the third-row seat option was reserved for the Lexus GX470. 4Runner cargo space has decreased by 2.4 cubic-feet, to 42.2 with the rear seat up.
With the seats folded, maximum available cargo space is 75.1, down 4.7 cubic-feet.
Hard core off-roaders take note, that the maximum ground clearance is now just 9.1" which is 2" less than the previous model.

There are three distinct trim levels. All trim levels offer both two or four-wheel drive and either the V6 or V8 power plants.
The SR5 continues as the entry-level model, and the Limited remains the top-of-the-line version.
The Sport Edition slots between the two.

EPA fuel economy numbers have increased, the V6 model registering 18 city/21 highway in 2-wheel-drive models,
and 17 city/20 highway when equipped with 4-wheel- drive.
Base stickers will range from $27,500 for an SR5 4X2, to $37,000 for a Limited 4X4.